Weddin Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Weddin Shire Council area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.
Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Weddin Shire Council?
Trees about 4m tall or 15cm trunk (diameter at 1 meter above natural ground line) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
The 4m height and 150mm trunk diameter threshold is explicitly stated in Weddin's Landscaping on Nature Strip Policy (5.12.2), which defines trees as 'Significant' if they meet both criteria, measured 1m above natural ground line. However, this policy is specifically scoped to council-owned nature strips. The broader Tree Preservation, Removal & Replacement Planting Policy (5.1.5) is inaccessible (server 403 block), so the scope of protection for private-land trees cannot be confirmed from public sources. Confidence is medium due to this scope uncertainty; the numeric threshold is clear but its jurisdiction (nature-strip-only vs. all private land) is unresolved.
When you may not need approval
- Trees removed for public safety (7 days notice given)
- Trees with minor/no structural defects may undergo 14-day public consultation
How to apply
Development application required; $36.50 fee; documentation must be submitted after removal for trees deemed Extreme Risk
Other rules that can override the above
- RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing scheme — in a designated bush-fire area you may be able to clear trees within 10m of your home (and underlying vegetation within 50m) without council approval. Check eligibility with the NSW RFS online tool; it does not override threatened-species or federal law.
- Heritage items and heritage conservation areas — trees are usually protected regardless of size and most exemptions fall away.
- Threatened species, endangered ecological communities and Aboriginal places — exemptions generally do not apply.
- Federal EPBC Act — separate Commonwealth approval can be required if removal would significantly impact a nationally listed species or community.
Do I need a permit in Weddin Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.